Chapter 1710 : The Price of a Forbidden Curse

This curse is the most dreadful of incantations, imbued with the terrifying power of Yin-Yang Dao Principles [the fundamental laws governing the duality of Yin and Yang]. Once it corrupts a cultivator's Physical Body [the corporeal vessel refined through cultivation], it begins to systematically erode the very foundation of the victim's cultivation.

If not purged, every time Solaris, the Golden Crow [the Imperial Son of the Golden Crow lineage] unleashes his power, it would further diminish his own cultivation and deplete his Primordial Source [the foundational life essence and spiritual origin of a being]. This is precisely why he retreated in such haste.

That alone would be dire enough. Yet, to unleash the ultimate might of the Yin-Yang Immortal-Falling Curse [a supreme curse that harnesses the destructive polarity of Yin and Yang to fell even immortals], Eldrin Chen pushed his cultivation physique [the refined and enhanced physical constitution of a cultivator] beyond its absolute limit, surpassing even one hundred percent of its capacity, and in the process, sacrificed his own illusory Dao Fruit [the symbolic culmination of one's cultivation path, representing profound enlightenment].

Consequently, Eldrin Chen's cultivation realm has plummeted to the level of Single Taiyi Foundation [the foundational stage of the Taiyi realm with a single Dao Fruit]. It is likely he will possess no capacity for battle for a considerable time.

Understanding this, Ronan Luo paced back and forth for a long moment before finally asking, "Now that Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a cultivator] Eldrin's cultivation has fallen, who among us can possibly stand against Solaris, the Golden Crow?"

Chang Geng Sword Scion [a prodigious swordsman], his face also pale, spoke up, "With the defeat of the Purple Tenuity [a celestial constellation or realm] Imperial Son, if the Divine Spirits [powerful beings who have ascended to a divine state] from the Central Ancestral Domain [the primordial heartland of the world] are freed to act, how are we to contend with them?"

Sensing the growing unease among them, Eldrin Chen spoke once more, "Set your minds at ease. That Solaris, the Golden Crow has been struck by my Yin-Yang Immortal-Falling Curse. Even with divine treasures to heal him, it will take at least three Millennium [a span of one thousand years] for him to recover."

"In these next three Millennium, I will recover from my wounds with all haste and once again attempt my breakthrough into the Triple Taiyi Foundation [the Taiyi realm foundation solidified with three Dao Fruits]."

"With the experience gained from my last attempt, I am certain to achieve a Flawless Triple Taiyi Foundation [a perfect, unblemished foundation of three Dao Fruits within the Taiyi realm] this time."

Eldrin Chen declared slowly, his tone carrying an air of unwavering conviction. This chapter appears courtesy of audio-novel[dot]com.

Seeing his confidence, the others felt a measure of reassurance. Wuji Fengyun could not help but sigh and say, "Then it seems we have no other choice?"

Witnessing this, Jiang Daoxu spoke up, "Then I must trouble you all to join me in guarding this Abyssal Ruins Mountain together."

"Next, we shall combine our strength to re-establish the formation. We must assist Fellow Daoist Eldrin in recovering from his injuries."

Seeing this, the others all departed, leaving the place for Eldrin Chen to recuperate.

After everyone had left, Eldrin Chen's expression gradually calmed. Streams of Life Dao Principles [the fundamental laws of cultivation] began to circulate within him, and his recovery proceeded at a visible pace.

In the space of a few breaths, there was no longer any sign of injury upon him.

Within the Grand Hall, Eldrin Chen and Jiang Daoxu sat facing each other, while Lyra Jiang prepared a cup of tea for each.

Regarding Eldrin Chen's swift recovery, Jiang Daoxu seemed to have anticipated it. He inquired calmly, "How are things?"

Eldrin Chen was composed, his gaze profound as he stated, "This time, using Solaris, the Golden Crow's hand to sacrifice the false Dao Fruit [the condensed fruit of one's cultivation path] was the perfect opportunity to deceive the major powers and begin anew, cultivating the Innate Dao Principles [the primordial and fundamental laws of the Dao]."

"However, for my Dao Principles to undergo their final metamorphosis, I still require five strands of Innate Qi [primordial spiritual energy of the highest purity]. At present, I am still short by three."

Eldrin Chen recounted the situation. Currently, he had not a single wisp of Innate Qi [the primordial energy of creation, essential for high-level cultivation breakthroughs] left in his possession. The only two wisps he had were borrowed from Myriad Spirits Ancient Ancestor.

With a deficit of three wisps still remaining, Eldrin Chen sought out Jiang Daoxu. Yet, even Jiang Daoxu lacked such a resource. Left with no other choice, Eldrin Chen could only instruct the members of his clan to first attempt their breakthrough into the Heaven Immortal Realm [the realm of celestial immortals, a major ascension beyond the mortal plane].

However, once one transcends to become a Heaven Immortal, they rise above the machinations of the Dao Tribulation [the cosmic calamity or great trial ordained by the Heavenly Dao]. It becomes improper for them to directly intervene in the tribulations of those still bound by it.

The cultivators of the Chen Immortal Clan all possessed the Triple Taiyi Foundation [a supremely stable and potent foundational cultivation stage] and were flawless Celestial Immortal Seed [individuals with the innate potential to ascend to celestial immortality]. Furthermore, the grand fortune to forcefully overcome the Dao Tribulation was now within their grasp. To break through at this juncture would not be an opportune moment.

After much deliberation, Eldrin Chen's thoughts turned once more to Jiang Daoxu.

Upon hearing the request, Jiang Daoxu responded with calm composure, "I possess only a single wisp of Innate Qi myself. However, the two Grand Elder [senior leaders of a major sect or clan] within our sect should have some in reserve. I shall go and procure two wisps for you."

With those words, Jiang Daoxu departed swiftly. He returned mere moments later, bearing three wisps of Innate Qi.

Gazing upon the three wisps of Innate Qi, Eldrin Chen could not help but remark with a sigh, "It seems the Ethereal Void Grotto-Heaven [a legendary paradise realm and major cultivation power] is truly placing a heavy bet on your success."

Jiang Daoxu shook his head, his expression serene. "If I fail to transcend this tribulation," he stated plainly, "then all matters will come to an end for me."

"But should I succeed in crossing it, and even cultivate to the Great Luo Realm [a supreme realm of cultivation representing ultimate enlightenment and power], then the karma incurred today shall be repaid tenfold, a hundredfold."

Eldrin Chen nodded, understanding that for his sake, Jiang Daoxu had incurred yet another significant debt of favor to the Ethereal Void Grotto-Heaven.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen took the three strands of Innate Qi and spoke, "Next is to cultivate the Dual Celestial Immortal Foundation and then wait for the fish to take the bait."

"If this succeeds, this Dao Tribulation should also come to an end."

Jiang Daoxu and Eldrin Chen had long exchanged secret messages; he knew of Eldrin Chen's plan and understood some of the hidden truths behind it.

He was well aware that once Eldrin Chen cultivated the Dual Celestial Immortal Foundation, he would essentially be a Flawed Celestial Immortal who had yet to open his Cosmos.

And Eldrin Chen's single Innate Foundation was already comparable to the Three Innate Foundations of a Flawless Celestial Immortal. If he cultivated two foundations, each rivaling that of a Flawless Celestial Immortal, his combat power would undoubtedly undergo a staggering, unimaginable leap. The complete novel can be found at http://www . audio-novel.com.

By then, sweeping through the Dao Tribulation would hold almost no suspense.

Yet, the closer they came to that moment, the more a thread of worry tightened within him.

He took a deep breath, unable to hold back his question any longer. "Is that sleeper agent you mentioned truly reliable?"

"From what I know, the Purple Tenuity Imperial Son was defeated because of him. I fear..."

Jiang Daoxu did not finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.

Eldrin Chen pondered in silence for a moment, then set down his teacup and finally spoke: "It was someone brought by Second Son. That child would not lie to me."

"Xander Dao, then?"

Jiang Daoxu gave a slight nod, raised the fragrant tea in his hand for a shallow sip, and said nothing more.

Having obtained the Innate Qi [the primordial, uncreated energy that predates the cosmos], Eldrin Chen began secluded cultivation of the Innate Primordial Limitless Dao Principle [a supreme cultivation art that seeks to comprehend the boundless, primordial Dao].

Meanwhile, in the outside world, the situation shifted like clouds and wind, and the entire landscape of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain underwent a great transformation.

The elites from both the Human Race's Eastern Pole Six Heavens Domain and the Six Celestial Domains of the Western Pole gathered upon the Ethereal Void Mountain Range, assembling twenty-four Innate Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos, possessing immense innate power] to deploy a formation hailed as unbreakable except by those at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation path]—the 'Twenty-Four Heavens Grand Formation'.

Countless armies of the Demonic Tribe surrounded the vast Ethereal Void Mountain Range, mobilizing innumerable Ancient Vessel [massive, ancient siege weapons resembling ships or cannons] cannons, intending to blast open the defenses of this Twenty-Four Heavens Grand Formation by sheer force.

On the side of the Central Ancestral Domain, the Purple Tenuity Imperial Son was betrayed. Through collusion from within and assault from without, the Super Killing Formation [an ultimate-grade defensive and offensive array] of the Purple Tenuity Lineage was breached, leading to a catastrophic overnight defeat for the Human Race.

The Purple Tenuity Imperial Son was hunted across thirty thousand Immortal Paths [a metaphorical measure of vast distance in the immortal realms] in a single night. Even the Fire Scale Imperial Son of the Kirin Race did not hesitate to join the distant pursuit.

It is a pity that the Verdant Sun Imperial Son also risked a breakthrough and successfully cultivated the Innate Verdant Sun Imperial Physique [a supreme constitution embodying the power of the verdant sun]. Even with the two of them joining forces, they suffered a crushing defeat.

After that single battle, the Fire Scale Imperial Son vanished without a trace, and the Purple Tenuity Imperial Son disappeared after his Physical Body [the corporeal vessel of a cultivator] was utterly destroyed.

The Qilin [a mythical auspicious beast] clan and the Human Race still had several Forbidden Prodigy [prodigies whose talents are so heaven-defying they are considered forbidden]. However, the Divine Race also possessed five beings of Imperial Son-level power. After the battle, the Human Race Forbidden Prodigy were almost completely annihilated, with only one or two managing to escape.

Following the great defeat of the Human Race and the Qilin clan, all the outstanding talents within the Central Ancestral Domain vanished from sight.

Then, the Divine Race Verdant Sun Imperial Son, leading five Forbidden Prodigy, tore through the Void [the empty space between realms] and arrived outside the Ethereal Void Mountain Range. Their intent was to join forces with the Demonic Tribe to completely annihilate the Ethereal Void Mountain Range.

My health has been very poor recently. I've been to the hospital three times this month alone. I've been suffering from frequent headaches, dizziness, and a severe lack of energy. My mind often feels muddled, unsure of what to write. Fearing I might ruin the story, I dare not just write a bunch of nonsense. When I'm truly stuck, I can only write less, hoping to write more when I recover my form. This month's updates have undoubtedly been terrible. I'm adjusting my state these few days and hope to rally next month and write more. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio‑novel.com.